By Bethany Monroe
Molalla Pioneer
District 18 Representative Vic Gilliam (R - Molalla, Silverton) visited with constituents at the Molalla Public Library on Wednesday.
Gilliam said he invited the public to drop in and chat with him one-on-one to give constituents a chance to share their concerns and ask questions without having to attend a big event or listen to a speech. He also plans to hold similar meetings in Silverton and Mt. Angel.
“I just think that I should be accessible,” Gilliam said.
About 10 local residents stopped by, discussing topics such as school budgets, mental health issues and veterans’ services with Gilliam.
Constituents also expressed concerns about the proposed tax hike that will go to Oregon voters in a special election on Jan. 26, 2010.
“That was probably the biggest issue that was in the room,” Gilliam said.
The Oregon Legislature will enter a month-long special session in February and, like this year’s session, budget issues are expected be a hot topic. Gilliam opposes tax hikes and said he hopes Oregon legislators can work together to find ways to control government spending, rather than accusing each other of not caring enough about education and other services to raise taxes.
“What I hope doesn’t happen is that we just stoop to name calling,” Gilliam said.
Most recently, legislators met in their committees for three days of meetings in September. The committees will also meet for three-day sessions in November and January, Gilliam said. The three-day meeting blocks were designed this summer as a way to reduce transportation expenses.
Gilliam is gearing up for a busy session in February, but said he has some doubts about the Legislature’s decision to hold a special session. Under current Oregon law, the state Legislature only meets every other year, unless an emergency special session is deemed necessary.
In many states, the Legislature meets annually and Gilliam said Oregon has been testing that system, but hasn’t gone to voters to ask them to change the state constitution.
“I still question the constitutionality of these special sessions,” Gilliam said. “If you’ve got reasons (to hold annual sessions), take them to the people as a constitutional amendment, but don’t fudge the rules and meet.”
Gilliam can be reached via e-mail at gilliam.rep@state.or.us.
